Forbes Middle East Concludes Third Edition of Women’s Summit in Riyadh, Honoring Inspiring Female Leaders Driving Innovation and Change
Forbes Middle East has successfully concluded the third edition of its Women’s Summit in Riyadh, celebrating a distinguished group of visionary women who are shaping the future of business, innovation, and leadership across multiple sectors.
Held at the Fairmont Riyadh Hotel on November 2–3, 2025, the summit was chaired by H.H. Princess Noura bint Mohammed Al Saud, Chairperson of the Women’s Committee for Community Development, under the theme “Limitless Inspiration.” The event brought together over 5,000 participants from across the region and beyond, including senior government officials, private sector executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
During the closing ceremony, Forbes Middle East honored H.H. Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, for her exceptional leadership in advancing knowledge, education, and culture. She was celebrated alongside a diverse group of pioneering businesswomen, innovators, and change-makers who continue to redefine success and empowerment across their respective industries.
Over two dynamic days, the summit featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, and keynote sessions that explored women’s expanding influence in leadership, entrepreneurship, science, technology, healthcare, and media. The program also spotlighted the vital role of women in the creative economy and the transformation of regional and global industries.
“The Women’s Summit reflects our commitment to celebrating women who don’t wait for opportunities but create them,” said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East. “Today’s generation of women is shaping the future with determination, creativity, and resilience. Their growing impact across business, science, and culture is not the exception—it’s the new standard driving transformation across the region and beyond.”
The second day of the event infused a vibrant creative energy, featuring leading female figures in media, entertainment, and digital influence, including Elham Ali, Saudi actress and writer; Nayla Tueni, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Annahar newspaper; Narin Amara, influencer and founder of Narin’s Beauty; Dina Dash, CEO of Dash Management; and Noor Stars, founder and CEO of Nafas. Together, they discussed the intersection of creativity, empowerment, and digital innovation in shaping the region’s evolving cultural landscape.
Key sessions highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ongoing reform agenda and the nation’s pivotal role in enabling women to lead economic and social transformation. Influential speakers from across sectors shared insights on redefining global business and leadership through innovation, inclusion, and purpose. Discussions delved into women’s advancements in AI, technology, and cybersecurity, as well as their contributions to healthcare, luxury tourism, and entrepreneurship.
The summit’s She Leads Studio hosted a series of immersive workshops focused on leadership, self-development, and entrepreneurship. Among them was a transformative session led by Sara Onsi, Founder and Creative Director of SARA ONSI, guiding participants in discovering their creative identity and leadership presence. Other workshops explored positive thinking, emotional resilience, and mental health, while offering practical strategies for turning passions into successful ventures.
Forbes Middle East collaborated with a wide network of partners to bring the summit to life, including associate partners Aster DM Healthcare and AJEX; event partners Porsche Saudi Arabia, EFG Holding, Cenomi Centers, The University of Manchester – Dubai, Tawuniya, Keto Kartel, EFSIM, Viatris, DAZE Furniture, Youmi Beauty, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), and The DermaKlinic; technology partner Lazulite; and gift partners including Moonglaze, Treat, Matcha Union, Biolite Clinic, Humanity Code, Aliona Cosmetics, Kayali, Valrhona, Eucerin, and Tru & Beyond.